Community Readiness to Address Chemical Health Promotion
Prior to implementing strategies to promote chemical health in a community it is important to understand how ready the community is to address the issue. Some communities have recognized and addressed chemical health problems for some time. Others have recently begun working on the issue.There are also some communities that have not determined that they have chemical health problems, or have not accepted that problems exist. In this last category of communities, education and awareness raising is an appropriate strategy. However, communities that have been addressing chemical health for some time are probably more ready to implement strategies to change behaviors and/or to develop policies around chemical health issues.
The Community Prevention Readiness Index can be used to assess a community's readiness. It asks the questions about the "big picture" that can be useful for strategic planning. This index can be given to coalition members, key informants, and community members.
The CPRI Discussion Guide can be used to analyze the results of the responses to the index. The results of the index can be used to plan for chemical health promotion in the community.
*Adapted with permission:
The Technology of Prevention Workbook, William A. Lofquist, AYD Publications,
1989
The Minnesota Institute of Public Health has a Community Readiness Survey
Service as well.
For more information, contact:
Anu Sharma
763-427-5310 or 800-782-
Choosing Chemical Health Promotion Strategies Main Page
Community Chemical Health Promotion Guide Main Page
Community Health Promotion Guide Main Page
See also > Center for Health Promotion > Health Promotion and Chronic Disease